dead set against

Idioms and Phrases

Completely opposed to, as in His parents were dead set against John's taking a year off from college. Set against has been used to mean “opposed to” since the 1400s. Dead acquired the meaning “utterly” in the 16th century.

Example Sentences

He was part of an extreme, racialized white faction in the Louisiana state house that was clearly dead-set against honoring King.

From The Daily Beast

While he was quite comfortable telling us all about it, his wife was dead set against it.

From The Daily Beast

Madison was dead set against it, partly on the grounds that his state of Virginia would be a big loser in any such assumption.

From The Daily Beast

Someone dead-set against buying insurance can choose to remain without coverage and pay the tax.

From The Daily Beast

"Mother isn't so dead set against our going there," Nan informed her.

From Project Gutenberg

That's something I should like to investigate, if only the padron were not so dead set against my going up into the mountain.

From Project Gutenberg

But if it so happens that shes dead set against it at the start, why, you had best not vex her by tryin to push the matter.

From Project Gutenberg

Ninety-nine per cent of your mind doesn't want to believe it; is dead set against it.

From Project Gutenberg

A section of the English press made a dead set against the opera, but the test of time has given the lie to detractors.

From Project Gutenberg